DIGESTIVE SYSTEM STRUCTURES & FUNCTIONS
DIGESTION The process of changing complex foods into simpler soluble forms that can be used by the body
DIGESTION ENZYMES AMYLASE-breaks down starches into glucose( saliva) LIPASE- breaks down fats into fatty acids & glycerol
Digestion ENZYMES TRYPSIN-breaks down protein into amino acids
Structures Alimentary canal GI tract, or digestive tract Consists of: oral cavity, pharnyx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Continuous tube about 30 feet in length, from mouth to anus.
Digestive tract
ACTUAL HUMAN ABDOMINAL CAVITY
Oral cavity- pharynx Teeth= mastication Tongue= taste, mastication, swallowing Salivary glands Mechanical breakdown of food into bolus Chemical breakdown: amylase breaks down starches to glucose
Esophagus 10 inches long Carries bolus to stomach Muscles in the upper third of the esophagus are voluntary = swallowing Muscles in the lower portion is involuntary=peristalsis
Stomach Sections Fundus= upper portion Body = mid section Pylorus= lower portion Sphincters: cardiac-located between the esophagus and stomach Pyloric: located between the stomach and small intestine.
Small intestine 3 sections Duodenum= first 12 inches Jejunum= mid section- about 8 ft. Ileum= last section ft long ABSORPTION OF NUTRIENTS occurs in the small intestine
Large intestine Sections Ascending colon – right side Transverse colon- across the abdomen Descending colon- left side Sigmoid colon- very bottom section just superior to anus
Accessory Organs Liver: produces bile, stores sugar(glycogen), stores iron and certain vitamins, produces cholesterol, heparin, and blood protiens to aid in blood clotting, detoxifies harmful substances taken in by the blood Gall Bladder: stores bile for release into duodenum for emulsification of fats Pancreas: releases enzymes into duodenum for further breakdown of chyme.